Chapter 66: Going to Tokyo!

Tsuna and Midorima delved into various topics, including their future career paths. However, it appeared that Midorima hadn't contemplated stepping onto a broader stage due to his family's conservative nature, particularly considering their prominent status in the political realm.

"You have significant responsibilities too, don't you? Being the heir to one of the world's largest conglomerates," Midorima pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

Tsuna acknowledged, "That's correct. I made an agreement with my father, allowing me a few years to pursue my interests."

"I see," Midorima nodded thoughtfully, contemplating his own situation with his strict and conservative parents. "Perhaps I should attempt to discuss it with them too."

In Midorima's family, basketball didn't hold much significance.

They weren't particularly supportive of it but didn't oppose it outright. Their main focus was on his academic achievements, believing that his studies would reflect well on their family name if he excelled in his studies.

"You should," Tsuna advised, reclining comfortably in his chair. "Parents, even the most conservative ones, usually care deeply for their children."

He reminisced about his own conservative parents in his previous life. At the same time, they may not have been the most openly supportive, but their love for him was evident, and he appreciated it even to this day.

Thinking about the love he received from his family in this life, Tsuna couldn't help but smile. He felt truly fortunate to have that kind of familial bond.

Midorima couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy towards Tsuna's family. But, he quickly pushed aside this unwarranted envy and offered a gentle smile.

Unbeknownst to them, a few hours had passed during their conversation when both of their phones rang, inquiring about their whereabouts.

Realizing it was time to return home. Sebas drove them back.

After dropping Midorima at his house, Tsuna bid Midorima farewell as he continued his long drive to Shizuoka with Sebas. His business in Tokyo was now concluded.

The next day, Tsuna shared the news with his team, and their reactions were explosive.

"So, we're heading to Tokyo?"

"No, no, that's not the reaction we need! We're facing off against the Legendary King!"

"This is insane, and I heard they have the shooter from the Generation of Miracles!"

"We're really playing against the Generation of Miracles? That's incredible!"

Observing their responses, Tsuna nodded in satisfaction. Despite their initial shock, he could see their lips curving into hopeful grins, clearly looking forward to the upcoming friendly match.

Tsuna felt content seeing that everyone could complete their drills without anyone feeling nauseous. He believed it was time to take their training to the next level.

"I can tell you're pretty pleased this morning. You had this all planned out, didn't you?" Nijimura remarked, observing the team's reactions.

Tsuna grinned in response. "It wasn't much..."

Ogiwara said with a playful tone, "Do you think I can chew them up now, Captain?"

Ogiwara had a hopeful smile on his face, but Tsuna gently denied his expectations. "Not quite yet. You've still got a ways to go."

Tsuna shifted his attention to Ogiwara, recognizing the young man's progress. The improvement was evident when he compared Ogiwara's current skills to when they first met during the middle school finals.

And, unlike the rest of the team, Ogiwara and Haizaki had already acclimated to the rigorous drills. Tsuna had assigned them additional training to help them continue improving while the others were still working hard to adapt to the demanding regimen.

Ogiwara's shoulders drooped, and he seemed a bit disheartened. "I understand. I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park."

But Tsuna didn't offer any words of comfort. Instead, Ogiwara's own determination seemed to flare up. He clenched his fist tightly and declared, "Alright! I'll train even harder then!"

Tsuna watched silently as Ogiwara joined Haizaki in his extra training, impressed by their unwavering dedication.

Seeing Ogiwara join him in training, Haizaki scowled and pushed himself harder, determined to demonstrate his superiority. Meanwhile, Ogiwara focused intently on their exercises, their heavy breaths the only sound in the training area as they completed set after set.

Nijimura sighed, observing the transformation in Haizaki. He turned to Tsuna, beside him, and asked, "I understand it's for the team's benefit, but how did he change so drastically?"

"I didn't see that coming either," Tsuna remarked. He shifted his gaze to the rest of the team and went on, "Imagine having these guys on your team. How would you feel?"

Nijimura paused, deep in thought, and cautiously replied, "I'm not sure."

Tsuna grinned and responded, "You'd feel a bit self-conscious, wouldn't you?"

Nijimura's eyes widened as the truth of Tsuna's words hit him.

Observing the rest of the team, Nijimura noticed that despite their grumbling about the intensity of the training, they pushed themselves to keep up. They didn't want to be left behind, and the thought of watching Haizaki and Ogiwara work tirelessly was motivation enough.

Nijimura couldn't help but chuckle at their determination.

He knew what it was like to be in their shoes, particularly during his time in the United States. When you thought Tsuna was done with a training session, he'd surprise you with more. It could be quite overwhelming to train alongside Tsuna, who gave his all regardless of his physical condition.

They often said that talent without hard work was futile and that hard work could triumph over talent.

But what if someone inherently talented worked even harder than anyone else? That person would become a formidable force akin to a monster. Faced with such a monster, Nijimura was aware of his own limitations.

It wasn't so much about feeling overshadowed by Tsuna's skills; it was the simple fact of watching someone train while you idled by that made you feel guilty for not pushing yourself harder.

It was akin to going to the gym and sitting there while others worked tirelessly. You'd be ashamed of yourself if you didn't train along with them.

"Alright, let's get back to train..."

Tsuna chuckled and encouraged Nijimura to join the training. He couldn't let himself be outworked, and Nijimura agreed, shaking his head in good-natured resignation.

Together, they continued their rigorous training regimen.

The following week, the Fukuda Sogo team was consumed by an intense drive to train harder than ever before. And before they knew it, the day they would face off against the Legendary King, a team that now boasted a shooter from the Generation of Miracles, was just around the corner.

As the team set off for Tokyo, Tsuna ensured all the transportation arrangements were in place.

However, during the journey, Tsuna noticed something amiss. He saw Nijimura, his face contorted with anger, and he couldn't help but ask, "Where's Haizaki?"

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